The European Commission will today propose new CO2 standards for cars and vans to come into effect after 2020. The

Photo: Joerg Huettenhoelscher/Shutterstock

The European Commission will today propose new CO2 standards for cars and vans to come into effect after 2020. The proposal is designed to help the bloc achieve its goal of cutting its overall greenhouse emissions by 40% of 1990 levels by 2030.

Today’s proposal was originally expected to require a 25-35% cut in vehicle CO2 emissions by 2025 and would force European automakers to produce a minimum of 15-20% zero-emission vehicles by 2030.

The proposals could now be watered down, however, following intense lobbying by Germany’s auto industry. How effective that lobbying has been will be revealed today; it is speculated that both the zero-emission vehicle mandate and 2025 target will be removed. After seven countries called for stricter CO2 targets last week, today’s proposal will be important, as it will provide insight as to where power lies in the EU.

A watered-down proposal, which is backed by powerful auto industries in France, Germany and Italy, could see tensions in the trading bloc rise and will raise questions over the EU’s commitment to its climate goals.